Level 6 Quality Control Degree Apprenticeship

Level 6 Quality Control Degree Apprenticeship

Macclesfield, UK

Starting base salary of £24,570+ 11% benefits fund + bonus.

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide.We aredeeply committed to our strategy of beinga great placeto work. For us, that includes fostering an environment where everyone can be among inclusive, supportive individuals with curious minds.

A company that genuinely follows the science and values individuals at all levels,you willbe backed and encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas to push the boundaries of science and continuously learn and explore.

Make the start of your journey a life changing one

As part of our Early Talent Programme,you willbe involved in projects and learning opportunities that have real impact from day one.

Being part of our journey and helping us to provide life changing medicine to patients all over the world and transform lives for the better. Making important contributions and embracing our values to deliver on our purpose. Because regardless of role or level, we all have an important part to play in making a positive difference.

Macclesfield

The Macclesfield Campus is an essential part of AstraZenecas UK Operation and the 2nd largest operational site within the companys global network. It is approx. 100 acres with around 4500 people working on site. The site is unique in the AstraZeneca network having Operations, R&D, G&A,ITand others on its site.

We are offeringQuality ControlApprenticeshipsacrossa numberofdepartments:

Quality - Electronic Laboratory Systems– This role has an emphasis onthe configuration,setupand lifecycle management of static quality datawithin computer systems used within the quality control laboratories, which support the chemical and microbiological quality control testing and clearance of pharmaceutical medicines for ongoing manufacture,packagingor distribution. AstraZeneca are striving to achievedigitized, paperless laboratory processes therefore this apprenticeship will involve the following:

Configuration,setupand lifecycle management ofcritical quality electronic system data

Working directly with electronic system users within the quality control laboratories

Problem solving and first-line support for electronic system troubleshooting

Quality checks and audits of electronic system data

Implementing digital electronic system process improvements

Analytical ChemistryQuality Control Laboratories-This is a lab-based apprenticeship where you will be testing product in the QC analytical laboratory teams against agreed Quality Standards, and within agreed lead-times to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of these products using a range of analytical techniques.We test the excipients, raw materials, active API as well as finished products.

There are 4 analytical teams across the quality control analytical department, using a variety of techniques from wet chemistry to automated techniques:

Chromatographic techniques: GC, HPLC, APC

Use of tablet testing/preparation automation

Robot preparation

Wet tests such as manual titration, water content, IR, UV etc

You will have the opportunity torotatebetweendifferentanalytical teamsto broadenyourskills indifferent techniques.

As a QC analytical apprentice, you will ensure theappropriate qualitysystems are followedin order forthe laboratory to meet its responsibilities with respect to GMP, data integrity whilst following SHEguidelines.

Who this suits;

Structured & consistent: You enjoy a predictable workday with clear procedures, set schedules, and defined quality standards.

Detail-focused: You take pride in repeating tasks to the same high standard, spotting anomalies, and preventing errors.

Process-minded: You are comfortable with checklists, version-controlled SOPs, and standardized documentation.

This is a hands-on quality role, ideal for someone who values routine and precision. Youll perform recurring QC tests, follow established SOPs, and document results in accordance with regulatory requirements. Success in this role comes from consistency, attention to detail, and dependable execution. If you find satisfaction in delivering the same high-quality outputs day after day—and improving them through small, compliant refinements—this role will suit you.

Pleaseindicateon your application your preferred area choice

You willbe working towards a BSc Degree inChemical Sciences with Manchester Metropolitan

Universityhttps://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0626-v1-1

The apprenticeship combines working, earning a full-time salary, with fully funded part-timeuniversitylearning (on average 1 day/week). This will give you the opportunity to gain a BSc Degree in Chemical Sciences qualification, just as you would if you went touniversityfull-time, with the advantage of gaining relevant work-life skills and the excitement of helping to develop new medicines whilst taking your first steps towards a rewarding career.

Additionally,you willbe recognised by the relevant professional bodies at Registered Scientist (RSci) level, for which there is a requirement that the scientist willparticipateinsubsequentcontinuing professional development on completion of the apprenticeship.

Essential skills/capabilitiesrequired:

Good communicationskills

Good team working skills

High organisation skills and confidence to work independently

The ability to apply a rational approach to problem solving; making judgements based on sound reasoning, approaching problems in a logical manner

Concerns for standards

High numeracy and literacy skills

Computer literacy

The ability to learn

Self-motivation

Initiative

Entry Requirements:

Five GCSEs (or equivalent) grades 9–4 including Maths,Englishand Science.

Applicants should have or be predicted to achieve a minimum of 104 UCAS points at A-level (grades BCC), with one being Chemistry or an equivalent scientific discipline.

Candidates with relevant workplace experience or a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in a related scientific discipline will also be considered but must provideadditionaldetails of their experience / units studied on the course as part of their application

Open and close dates

To apply for this position, please click the apply link.

Opening date of advert:12thJanuary 2026

Closing date of advert: midnight 15thFebruary 2026

Successful candidates will be asked to attend a virtualAssessment Dayon24thand 25thMarch.

Should yourequireany reasonable adjustments or accommodations, please let us know on your application.

Start date for the apprenticeship programme is7thSeptember 2026

This is a4-yearfixed term contract opportunity based at Macclesfield.

At AstraZeneca, we aim to set you up for success and we recognise the challenges that starting a new job can bring. We therefore offer a relocation package to help with the costs and process of moving for candidates who currently live more than 60 minutes from the site location for this Apprenticeship.

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Inclusion & Diversity:https://careers.astrazeneca.com/inclusion-diversity

Career Site:https://careers.astrazeneca.com/

AstraZeneca is proud to be ranked as a Top 100 ‘Best Student Employer in the UK byRateMyPlacement. Browse our reviews here (link)

These positions are not open to those already educated toBachelor'sdegree level or above – for which we have specific Graduate Programmes, see our website for more detailshttps://careers.astrazeneca.com/students

#Earlytalent

Date Posted

12-Jan-2026

Closing Date

15-Feb-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.